MotoGP Portugal J3 Aleix Espargaró (Aprilia/6): “not bad, but I expected a little more”

At Aprilia, Aleix Espargaró knows he is in the game with the new RS-GP, but the current level of MotoGP is such that that is no longer enough to hope for the podium. The Spaniard is not complaining but he also cannot deny that he is still missing that little something that would change everything. The fact remains that he happily accepts this sixth place acquired at the end of the last Portuguese Grand Prix. A rank which is also his in the championship.

The spearhead of Aprilia, Aleix Espargaró, took sixth place in the Portuguese Grand Prix. An important result since it demonstrates that the latest RS GP can be competitive elsewhere than at Losail. After three races, the Spaniard scored 25 points. “ It wasn't bad, but I expected a little more “, begins the Spaniard. “ I was very strong during the warm up. I started with an old ten lap rear tire and in the end I did 20 laps. Nevertheless, I was able to ride 1'39 ».

Alas… “ I couldn't repeat that in the race. The track temperature was 42 degrees Celsius. I had no grip and was very nervous at first. I couldn't accelerate and had several highside starts. ". But as the race continued, the eldest I will espargaro was getting faster. “ I was slowly catching up positions. I was able to run 1'39 in the last third of the race, but the problem was that the guy in front of me was even faster. I was getting faster with each lap, but I couldn't catch up with them. It was a little frustrating ».

Aleix Espargaro: “we are still missing the last step to be competitive”

« We are still perfectly positioned to fight for the podium and victory, but I am sixth in the World Championship. The bike is good, but we are still missing the last step to be competitive » warns the crew member Savadori which brought back to the Algarve the points for 14th place. “ Overall, I am very satisfied with our performance. If you are in the top 6 with the Aprilia, it is very important. I guess we can get even closer in Jerez. We'll end up on the podium. We won't wait until next year ».

« The difference between all riders and all bikes is getting smaller and smaller » analyzes Aleix. “ My feeling about the bike is better. Step by step, we get closer to the summit. But of course our bike is more competitive, otherwise I wouldn't be able to fight. We must continue to work ».